Beliefs and Practices

What is an Episcopalian?The precise beliefs and practices of Episcopalians can be a puzzle to those raised in more rigid traditions—and even sometimes to Episcopalians themselves! We are not fully protestant, but at the same time are not Roman Catholic either. We offer no unquestioning obedience to a central authority—instead debating doctrine among ourselves and often agreeing to differ on it. Yet we also have splendidly dressed bishops and priests and deacons, just as the Roman Catholics do (except, of course, that many of ours are women, and our senior bishops are all elected), and we center our worship on the Eucharist, or Holy Communion.

This section of our site attempts to describe those connections, and to bring together information and resources that will help both members and non-members of the Episcopal Church understand more about our shared beliefs and practices: where we are coming from, and where we are going.

It also includes practical information regarding the policies of the Diocese and of the wider Episcopal Church on who may take communion in an Episcopal Church, on what defines Church “membership,” and on Baptisms, Confirmations, Marriages and Funerals.